Help with Barry's Battle
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As many of you know, Barry has been living in paradise, enthusiastically sharing the Cayman Islands, his many island friends, and the glorious sunsets with all of his friends and family who have 'Cruised' down for a visit. Over the 5 years that he has lived on Cayman Islands, he has met many wonderful people and shared his life experiences and outgoing personality with anyone who needed cheer - as can be seen from his many Facebook posts!
But like the sunlight, Barry's health has recently begun to fade. He decided to undergo tests to better understand why! Unfortunately after a week-long hospital stay and a number of other scares, it was confirmed that he had tested positive for liver cancer. There is further evidence that cancer has spread to his other organs. He has been put on a variety of medicines to manage his symptoms and the pain associated with this disease. As much as we would like to bring Barry back home, the past couple of weeks has left him to weak to come home. Furthermore, the travel costs are well beyond our means!
If you talked to Barry you would never know he was struggling - it's not in his nature to ask for help. Instead, he would do his best to share the moment with you while trying to make you smile. Nevertheless, the past couple of months have left Barry in a difficult financial position. Our family and some close Cayman friends have been helping him with his expenses as best we all can. However, his bills are climbing, and will continue to do so with additional testing, medications, and therapy. Alone, we just can't help Barry enough. So we are reaching out, both for him and for us. If you have the means and would like to offer Barry some financial assistance, we would greatly appreciate it. If, in this challenging economic climate, you don't have the means to help financially, please send your positive energy to Barry. As much as he would like to hear from his friends he admits that he is easily exhausted. Rather than reaching out directly, we invite you to join the 'Barry's Battle Group' Facebook group and share your comments there. As a member of the group, Barry will be able to read them as his energy allows!
This is not how Barry wanted to share the news, but he knows he can't manage on his own. He would be comforted to know he has your love and prayers - and he hopes to welcome you to his island soon!
But like the sunlight, Barry's health has recently begun to fade. He decided to undergo tests to better understand why! Unfortunately after a week-long hospital stay and a number of other scares, it was confirmed that he had tested positive for liver cancer. There is further evidence that cancer has spread to his other organs. He has been put on a variety of medicines to manage his symptoms and the pain associated with this disease. As much as we would like to bring Barry back home, the past couple of weeks has left him to weak to come home. Furthermore, the travel costs are well beyond our means!
If you talked to Barry you would never know he was struggling - it's not in his nature to ask for help. Instead, he would do his best to share the moment with you while trying to make you smile. Nevertheless, the past couple of months have left Barry in a difficult financial position. Our family and some close Cayman friends have been helping him with his expenses as best we all can. However, his bills are climbing, and will continue to do so with additional testing, medications, and therapy. Alone, we just can't help Barry enough. So we are reaching out, both for him and for us. If you have the means and would like to offer Barry some financial assistance, we would greatly appreciate it. If, in this challenging economic climate, you don't have the means to help financially, please send your positive energy to Barry. As much as he would like to hear from his friends he admits that he is easily exhausted. Rather than reaching out directly, we invite you to join the 'Barry's Battle Group' Facebook group and share your comments there. As a member of the group, Barry will be able to read them as his energy allows!
This is not how Barry wanted to share the news, but he knows he can't manage on his own. He would be comforted to know he has your love and prayers - and he hopes to welcome you to his island soon!
Organizer
The Donkersgoed Family
Organizer
Elmira, ON
